Help a noob choose a rifle

[zod]

If you don't mind corrosive ammo and have a range where you could shoot it, I'd look for a WASR2. They go for almost half what your limit is (1k), 5.45 is cheap as hell (1k for under $150), 5.45 AK mags are plentiful (you can find them cheap too), and you throw a kydex wrap on the grip and go featureless (no bullet button/mag lock). Seems to fit your criteria well. For your 1k, you could have it all. Rifle, spare mags, and 1k of ammo to get you going.

[zod]

If you don't mind corrosive ammo and have a range where you could shoot it, I'd look for a WASR2. They go for almost half what your limit is (1k), 5.45 is cheap as hell (1k for under $150), 5.45 AK mags are plentiful (you can find them cheap too), and you throw a kydex wrap on the grip and go featureless (no bullet button/mag lock). Seems to fit your criteria well. For your 1k, you could have it all. Rifle, spare mags, and 1k of ammo to get you going.